Roe v Wade Memorial Planned for January 22

Roe v. Wade, the historic case in 1973 that legalized abortion in all 50 states, is arguably one of the most controversial and divisive cases in U.S. Supreme Court history.

The public is invited to attend a memorial observance of the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade from 12 to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the Pettis County Courthouse in Sedalia.

The anniversary of Roe v. Wade has become a pivotal date, bringing together hundreds of thousands of pro-life advocates across the country in solidarity to influence and encourage a society that values the life of the unborn and ends abortion. Since the court ruling in 1973, an estimated 60+ million babies have been aborted.

“We’ve hosted a memorial service in Sedalia for more than 40 years to reaffirm our commitment to defend the life of the unborn and to see that these lives regain protection by the law, “ says Bonnie Diefendorf, co-chairman, Sedalia Chapter of Missouri Right to Life. “It’s encouraging to see the number of attendees grow throughout the years. Legalized abortion is not the legacy we want to leave the next generation.

"Youth attending the memorial realize that just because abortion is accepted by law doesn’t mean that it is right. We all must take responsibility to change our society from a culture of death to one that respects and values life from conception to natural death.”
“Protection of life has to be a number one priority, “ said Diefendorf.

“This dark anniversary reminds us of the lives lost, but the decline in abortions across our nation and the 48 pro-life laws passed in Missouri since 1973 are evidence that Americans are realizing the devastating consequences of abortion in our society and are uniting together to protect and defend the sanctity of life," she concluded.

Local pastors, community leaders, Boy Scouts, students from St. Paul’s Lutheran School and Sacred Heart School will lead the program.